A week in a writing cottage

I think I’m in writers’ bliss! We had some holiday money left over and somehow I ended up persuading my wonderful husband to look after our kids and hold the fort at home while I went away by myself for a week. The main reason behind this was health – I’ve been struggling with debilitating tiredness for a few months now, and we both agreed that some quality rest time and several, undisturbed, good nights’ sleep might be beneficial for the whole family.

So here I am in this wonderful little holiday cottage in Dorset, on the south coast of England. I have to say that it’s my dream cottage – thatched roof, exposed beams and stonework, a log fire (which sadly I couldn’t get working but still!) a little attic bedroom with sloping ceilings and latticed windows all round. I’m so grateful to God – it really is a wonderful gift!

However, I can’t sleep all day, so I’ve also used the time to do some writing. I haven’t written everyday, but I’ve got three or four good sessions totalling over 1,500 words each time, so I’m feeling like I’m making some progress on my book. I’ve also taken the opportunity to read more books on writing, watch webinars, read blog posts and listen to podcasts. One of the books I’ve read has been the really encouraging book: Stop Worrying, Start Writing by Sarah Painter, which I recommend for all fellow writers, along with her podcast “The Worried Writer”.

Something I’ve learnt from my week here, though, is that it’s really not possible for me to spend a whole day writing. In fact, one morning session of about 90 minutes is all I can handle for the day. I think that’s encouraged me no end that I can do this writing thing in the margins of my everyday life. When I get home I’ll be returning to four kids and one husband, all of whom need feeding and clean clothes, and three of whom I home educate. My days are full already, and wonderfully so in many ways. I don’t think I’m quite ready to relinquish all that just yet, so I’ll put the idea of writing full-time on hold for another few years and just do what I can – half an hour here and there when I can manage it, with some scheduled blocks of time each week.

I’m approaching 40,000 words now, which is exciting, although there’s still a long way to go! My family come and collect me tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing them, but hoping that one day I might get the chance to return here and enjoy this beautiful little writing cottage once more.

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